"Adrienne Martin decidedly advances our understanding of an elusive piece of human experience thinkers have reflected upon for centuries. Deftly integrating, and then exceeding, the litany of thought that has preceded her, she offers a compelling original account not of what we hope for, or even of whether we should hope, but of what we are doing when we hope. A finely honed model of philosophical argument, this beautifully written, accessible, and compassionate work will engross and enlighten people from across the academic disciplines, as well as the interested casual reader."
—Susan Sugarman, Princeton UniversityInspired by her work with terminally ill cancer patients, Martin provides a valuable analysis of hope that makes excellent use of the tools of analytic philosophy, recent work in neuropsychology, and the philosophies of Immanuel Kant and Gabriel Marcel.
"Martin develops a strikingly original analysis of what hope involves in terms of the kind of justification one is prepared to give for fantasizing about, making plans to achieve, and positively anticipating the hoped for outcome. Her book is rich with insights and is the most sophisticated and extensive philosophical analysis of hope available."—Cheshire Calhoun, Arizona State University
"Hope is an important yet recently neglected philosophical topic. Hope plays a central role in our daily plans, and in the ways we face upheaval, illness, and loss. But is hope rational? Does it do any good? Martin's fresh look at these questions is insightful, rigorously and resourcefully argued, and genuinely illuminating. A further strength is the book's serious engagement with Kant, Hume, and other historical thinkers."—Martha C. Nussbaum, University of Chicago
[A] short but substantial tome. . . . Anyone who is interested in the ethics of hope will find a great deal of valuable insight in this book.---Ben Sherman, Philosophy in Review
Martin's work is a timely and instructive contribution to a rapidly expanding literature on hope.---Aaron D. Cobb, Journal of Moral Philosophy
Martin not only insightfully advances the philosophical literature on hope, but also, maybe more importantly, provides substantial food for thought to anyone whose philosophical interests encompass desires and motivations.---Rachel Fredericks, Mind
"This thought-provoking and well-crafted book makes an important contribution to the literature on the underdiscussed notion of hope. The origin of the work in the author's experiences in the medical arena is compellingly described, and the analysis that follows is creative and original. How We Hope will be a valuable resource for philosophers and psychologists alike."—Andrew Chignell, Cornell University
